Challenging Work

We recognize that the best way for summer associates to learn about our firm and our practices is to work with us on client matters --­­ both billable and pro bono.

Real World Experience
Summer associates in all of our offices have the opportunity to select from a broad range of assignments and work with lawyers throughout the firm. One of our summer program partner supervisors helps summer associates manage a diverse portfolio of work over the period of the program. Supervising attorneys regularly provide feedback on assignments. In addition, summer associates are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to shadow depositions, negotiations, mediations, hearings and trials.

Pro Bono Assignments
Summer associates can choose from a large number of pro bono assignments that will provide additional learning opportunities and direct client contact. In past years, summer associates have worked on research, drafting and fact investigation for criminal cases, appeals, asylum applications and transactional work for not­for­profit organizations.

Read what 2016 summer associate Jing X. Quek said about his exposure to the firm’s pro bono program here.

Department Rotations – Chicago Office
Depending on your practice area preference(s), you will be assigned to either a litigation case rotation, transactional department rotation or a combination of both. You choose! These rotations are designed to fully integrate you as a member of the litigation or transactional team.

Our litigation case rotations typically span the entire summer and provide you with the opportunity to experience the role of a junior associate on a busy litigation matter. Past summer associates have had the opportunity to participate in team meetings, meet and interview clients, draft documents and briefs, conduct legal research, prepare witness outlines, participate in witness interviews and attend court proceedings.

Our transactional department rotations typically last two to three weeks and immerse you in all aspects of a deal or other transactional project. In the Corporate Department, for example, you will have the opportunity to: attend internal strategy meetings; draft and review deal documents; conduct due diligence; participate in client meetings; and prepare for closings.